** Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday - Our next meeting is Saturday, February 21st at 12 Noon at American Legion Post 118 (89-02 91st Street, behind PS 60). There is a lot to discuss – hope to see you there.

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE Friday at 10 PM EST, click here at 10 to listen live. Friday night we’ll be speaking with Mr. Kerry Whalen, who was working at Lufthansa the night it was famously robbed in 1978 (which inspired the movie Goodfellas, released 25 years ago and filmed partially in Woodhaven). Mr. Whalen has written a book about what it was like being stuck between the Mob and the FBI and he’ll be our guest Friday at 10. Got any thoughts on what’s going on in Woodhaven, or in our city? Call in during the show, (646) 378-1612 and voice your opinion. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Upcoming Events:

** Little League Registration – Time is running out to register in WORKS Little League. The office will be open Friday, February 20th and February 27th from 7 to 9 PM for registration ($100 per child for the season). The WORKS Little League Office is located at 84-01 Jamaica Avenue (corner of Forest Parkway above the bank). Click here for more info. Please share with anyone who has children.

** Forgotten Queens Slideshow NEW DATE – Queens Historian Kevin Walsh of Forgotten New York and author of “Forgotten Queens” will be giving a FREE slideshow presentation at Neir’s Tavern on Tuesday, February 24th at 7 PM, event sponsored by the Woodhaven Historical Society. There will be lots of old pictures of Queens – these events are always popular, so come early to get a seat.

** Art Show at Resorts - The work of Madeline Lovallo, famous for her paintings of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, the Rockaways, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, is being exhibited at Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens (Aqueduct) through March 9th – 2nd Floor – Red Wall Gallery (go into the Main Entrance, go to the left and take the elevator to the 2nd Floor). Click here for pictures and video of the opening day of the exhibit.

** Free Concert at All Saints – The Queens Symphony Orchestra will be giving a concert sponsored by Councilman Eric Ulrich at All Saints Church, 85-45 96th Street, on Wednesday, February 25. The concert, featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Claude Debussy, starts at 7 p.m. in the main church building.

** Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day & Help The Vets - Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our Vets on Sunday, March 15th from 1 PM to 5 PM at the American Legion (89-02 91st street). You’ll get a Family Style Dinner – Corned Beef & Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes and all the trimmings, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert! Plus, dancing with DJ Richie! $30 per person, call Jennifer (718-296-3923) or Loretta (718-843-1292) to buy tickets. All proceeds go towards American Legion Post 118 which is approaching its 100th anniversary – and starting next year will begin decorating the Memorial Trees in Forest Park, dedicated to boys from Woodhaven who gave their lives for this country. Come out and support your American Legion!

** Day Care Drug Bust - You may have seen this story on the news – here is what the 102 Pct sent directly to us: “The 102nd Precinct would like to inform you about a search warrant which was executed early this morning at approximately 5:00 a.m. at a private house located on 88 avenue between 85 and 86 street in Queens(confines of the 102nd Precinct). The search warrant was executed by members of the 102nd Precinct Field Intelligence Unit as well as members of the NYPD Narcotics Unit. The location can be described as a two story house and is a private residence, which also houses a child day care center on the first floor. No children were present during the execution of the search warrant. The search warrant yielded positive results and a substantial amount of marijuana and MDMA, the narcotic know as “Molly”, were recovered from a bedroom in the basement of location. Two male Hispanics in their 20’s were taken into custody. The day care center is owned and operated by the parents of one of the perpetrators. The parents were not charged, as the narcotics were found in the bedroom of one of the perpetrators. The perpetrators were taken to the 102nd Precinct for processing.”

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

** Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday - Our first meeting of 2015 is Saturday, January 17th at 12 Noon at American Legion Post 118 (89-02 91st Street, behind PS 60). We will be joined by the Parks Department who will discuss street trees. Also, we will be having a collection to sponsor our Little League T-Ball team (4 & 5 year-olds) – the WRBA Royals. Least year, we not only sponsored a team – we also managed it.

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE Friday at 10 PM EST, click here at 10 to listen live. Got any thoughts on what’s going on in Woodhaven, or in our city? Call in during the show, (646) 378-1612 and voice your opinion. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Upcoming Events:

** Little League Registration – Time is running out to register in WORKS Little League. The office will be open Friday, January 16th from 7 to 9 PM for registration ($100 per child for the season). The WORKS Little League Office is located at 84-01 Jamaica Avenue (corner of Forest Parkway above the bank).

** Estate Planning – All Nations Baptist Church (86-76 80th Street ) is hosting a presentation called “Getting Your House In Order.” The guest speakers at this meeting will be a banker, an attorney and a funeral director (WRBA 2013 Man of the Year Paul Rudolph of Walker Funeral Home). They will talk about the importance of creating a will, funeral pre-planning and other important matters. This free presentation takes place at 3 PM on Saturday, January 24th.

** Catholic Schools Week – St. Thomas the Apostle will be hosting Catholic Schools Week starting on Sunday, January 25, with a mass at 9 a.m. An Open House, including tours of the school, follows from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. All visitors are welcome. Subsequent Open House hours will be held on Tuesday, January 27, and Thursday, January 29, from 9 to 10:30 am.

** Forgotten Queens Slideshow – Queens Historian Kevin Walsh of Forgotten New York and author of “Forgotten Queens” will be giving a free slideshow presentation at Neir’s Tavern on Tuesday, January 27th at 7 PM, event sponsored by the Woodhaven Historical Society. There will be lots of old pictures of Queens – these events are always popular, so come early to get a seat.

** Woodhaven Historical Society- The Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society has its first regular meeting of 2015 on Wednesday, January 28th at 1 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ. The theme is Love and Chocolate – there will be a presentation on St. Valentine’s Day and our guest will be Margie Schmidt of the historic Schmidt’s Candies. Note: The next cemetery cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th (click here for highlights from December’s chilly cleanup in which we were joined by CM Eric Ulrich and his staff).

** Art Show at Resorts - There will be an exhibit of Artist Madeline Lovallo’s work at Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct starting on Monday February 9th, running through March 9th. The exhibit will be on the Red Gallery Wall on the 2nd Floor of the casino. Click here to hear a recent interview with Madeline, who is very well known for her paintings of Woodhaven (The Carousel, Oak Ridge, and Lewis’ of Woodhaven among them).

** Mardi Gras Celebration – The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center for Women will be holding their annual Mardi Gras celebration on Wednesday, February 11th from 6 to 10 PM at Roma View catering (160-05 Cross Bay Boulevard). Tickets are just $80 per person – includes a full dinner, an open bar, raffles, prizes and a lot of fun — all in the good name of lending a helping hand to others! You can purchase tickets for this can’t-miss event right here.

** Free Concert at All Saints – The Queens Symphony Orchestra will be giving a concert sponsored by Councilman Eric Ulrich at All Saints Church, 85-45 96th Street, on Wednesday, February 25. The concert, featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Claude Debussy, starts at 7 p.m. in the main church building.

** Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day & Help The Vets - Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our Vets on Sunday, March 15th from 1 PM to 5 PM at the American Legion (89-02 91st street). You’ll get a Family Style Dinner – Corned Beef & Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes and all the trimmings, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert! Plus, dancing with DJ Richie! $30 per person, call Jennifer (718-296-3923) or Loretta (718-843-1292) to buy tickets. All proceeds go towards American Legion Post 118 which is approaching its 100th anniversary – and starting next year will begin decorating the Memorial Trees in Forest Park, dedicated to boys from Woodhaven who gave their lives for this country. Come out and support your American Legion!

** News & Announcements:

** Valentine’s for Vets - Assemblyman Mike Miller’s office will be collecting Valentine’s cards, candy (sugar-free a plus), toiletries, knit hats/gloves, socks, puzzles/games, etc. They will be delivered to the men and women veterans hospitalized at St. Albans VA Hospital and the NYS Veterans Nursing Home. Please bring your donations to Mike’s Office at 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard. If you have any questions, please call Mike’s Office at 718-805-0950.

** Collapsed Building Update – This comes from the Department of Buildings – The latest schedule of work to place the roof on the building at 78-19 Jamaica Avenue is as follows (1) Submittal of revised plans in PAA by 1/23/15; (2) Installation of steel columns and roof beam corrections – 2/6/15; (3) Installation of metal decking for roof – 2/13/15; (4) Completion of roofing – 2/22/15.

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

** Woodhaven Town Hall Tomorrow – Our last meeting of 2014 is tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th at 12 Noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ. This will be more of a holiday celebration than a formal meeting – come out and wish your friends and neighbors well!

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE tonight at 10 PM EST, click here at 10 to listen live. During the show, call (646) 378-1612 in to speak with the host and voice your opinion on any Woodhaven-related matter! If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Upcoming Events:

** Cleanup of Woodhaven’s Historic Cemetery – The next cleanup of the Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery is tomorrow Saturday, December 13th at 9 AM (96th Street and 86th Avenue behind All Saints Church). Click here for a new article on the background of Woodhaven’s historic cemetery.

** St. Thomas Flea Market – St. Thomas the Apostle’s annual giant flea market will be held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, at Monsignor Mulz Hall. The WRBA will be on-site selling the very popular WDHVN-11421 T-Shirts – they make great Christmas gifts – and you’ll be helping out the WRBA – a win-win!

** Assemblyman Miller Holiday Party – Everyone is invited to Mike’s annual holiday party that will take place on Monday, December 15th from 6pm-8pm at his district office located at 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard, Woodhaven, NY 11421. It will be hosted by Assemblyman Mike Miller and State Senator Joe Addabbo. Refreshments will be served.

** Historical Society Christmas Party – Everyone is invited to a Christmas party hosted by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society on Wednesday, December 17th at 1 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue & Woodhaven Boulevard). There will be food and music – and we’re having a Kris Kringle – if you want to participate, bring a small gift, costing no more than $10.

** WW1 Chistmas Miracle – Click here for a story of a Woodhaven Christmas Miracle. For additional background on our rediscovered WW1 Memorial, including a rendering of the trees with ribbons, click here.

** Christmas in Woodhaven - Here are a bunch of Woodhaven Christmas links for your enjoyment:

** Home Sales in Woodhaven - How many homes were sold in Woodhaven recently? And what are they selling for? Click here for some info.

** Basement Apartments - The proposed legalization of basement apartments was debated and voted upon at the most recent Community Board 9 meeting, click here for info.

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

** Woodhaven Town Hall – Many thanks to everyone who came out to our last Town Hall meeting – it was a great success and the ideas everyone came up with for participatory Budgeting were very interesting! Click here for a detailed report on the meeting – and remember that our last meeting of 2014 is on Saturday, December 13th at 12 Noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ. This will be more of a holiday celebration than a formal meeting – come out and wish your friends and neighbors well!

** Holiday Weekend Events – Tree Lighting and Parade – The Woodhaven Holidays kick off with the annual tree lighting, sponsored by the WBID/GWDC on Friday December 5th at 6:30 PM.

** Santa Parade Cancelled - Due to the expected downpour, Saturday’s Santa Parade has been cancelled. There is no make up date.

** Update – Destruction of Our Wreath – As most of you probably saw, our WW2 memorial Wreath was destroyed by two drunken individuals. We can happily report that, according to the WBID, 2 individuals were arrested. We have no further information at this time.

** Upcoming Events:

** Swingtime Big Band in Woodhaven – The Swingtime Big Band sound is coming to Woodhaven in a show presented by St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy. The show will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 3 PM at Msgr. Mulz Hall,all proceeds go to benefit the school. Click here for more info.

** Woodhaven History Study Group – The 3rd meeting of the Woodhaven Study Group will be on Wednesday, December 10th at the Avenue Diner, starting at 7 PM. Last meeting we heard some very interesting reports from our researchers – and we also discussed the discovery of a long-forgotten piece of Woodhaven’s history (details coming soon). Our group is researching 1912, 1916, 1921, 1924, 1930, 1935, 1937, 1941, and 1961. Even if you do not want to research, just want to hear about what we find, you are more than welcome to attend.

** Cleanup of Woodhaven’s Historic Cemetery – The next cleanup of the Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th at 9 AM. Click here for a story about November’s cleanup. This event is educational and fun for residents of all ages – volunteers are welcome and very much needed. If you have never visited this historic colonial era cemetery, come to 96th Street and 86th Avenue on 12/13 and be a part of history!

** Assemblyman Miller Holiday Party – Everyone is invited to Mike’s annual holiday party that will take place on Monday, December 15th from 6pm-8pm at his district office located at 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard, Woodhaven, NY 11421. It will be hosted by Assemblyman Mike Miller and State Senator Joe Addabbo. Refreshments will be served.

** Historical Society Christmas Party – Everyone is invited to a Christmas party hosted by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society on Wednesday, December 18th at 1 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue & Woodhaven Boulevard). There will be food and music – and we’re having a Kris Kringle – if you want to participate, bring a small gift, costing no more than $10.

** News & Announcements:

** Leftovers! – Here are some leftover links from the last Grapevine which you may have missed. Click here for highlights of the Toys for Tots Classic Car Run. Click here to read about the Food Drive for Vets spearheaded by CM Ulrich. Click here for an update on our battle with DSNY. Click here for beautiful pics of Woodhaven in the 1970s. Click here for Assemblyman Miller’s latest newsletter. Click here for highlights of the Canine Costume Contest in Forest Park. the School Sisters of Notre Dame were in the news, click here to see them. Click here for an interesting article about New York Cemeteries in which our Man of the Year, Mr. Allan Smith, is interviewed.

** New DSNY Recyclable Rules – The Department of Sanitation sent us this reminder that starting in January 2015 it will be illegal for New Yorkers to discard electronics in the trash. But there are many FREE, convenient options to properly recycle your unwanted electronics. Click here for more information from QBP Melinda Katz.

** Heat or Hot Water Issues - If you, or anyone you know, does not have enough heat or hot water this winter, it can be reported here. If the person making the report does not have a computer, they can call 311.

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

** Woodhaven Town Hall – Many thanks to everyone who came out to our last Town Hall meeting – it was a great success and the ideas everyone came up with for participatory Budgeting were very interesting! Click here for a detailed report on the meeting – and remember that our last meeting of 2014 is on Saturday, December 13th at 12 Noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ. This will be more of a holiday celebration than a formal meeting – come out and wish your friends and neighbors well!

** Holiday Weekend Events – Tree Lighting and Parade – The Woodhaven Holidays kick off with the annual tree lighting, sponsored by the WBID/GWDC on Friday December 5th at 6:30 PM. The next day is the Santa Parade – and YOU are invited to march. Our marchers gather at 11 AM at 96th St and Jamaica Avenue. Or, you can join the Parade Watching Party at our office 84-20 Jamaica Avenue starting at 11 AM. Click here for more details and keep that date free and join us on Jamaica Avenue!

** Destruction of Our Wreath – As most of you probably saw, our WW2 memorial Wreath was destroyed by two drunken individuals (see media coverage here, here and here). Sadly, this is not the first time our war memorials have been vandalized (click here for more details). As of this writing, no arrests have been made. Click here for an update from the WBID’s Maria Thomson – and click here for a reminder that this gross act does not represent our neighborhood – in fact, there’s a lot of good to be thankful for.

** Bring Dasher Home - Have you read this sad story about the dog that was thrown from a car in Queens? There will be a fundraiser at Neir’s Tavern, co-sponsored by the K9-Korral Dog Run at Forest Park on Wednesday, November 26th from 5 to 9 PM. Click here for more details.

** Pool Hall Controversy – A proposed billiards hall on Rockaway Boulevard is asking for a liquor license – residents and Community Board 9 are not sold on the idea – click here for more info. If you have an opinion on this subject, please e-mail us to share it. Please put “Pool Hall” in the subject line of your e-mail.

** Snow Alert – The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a ‘snow alert’ for Wednesday, November 26, starting at 7 am. Click here for more info.

** BP Katz To Host PTA Workshop – Borough President Melinda Katz will host a workshop for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as well as for parents interested in becoming more involved in their schools. December 2nd from 6 PM until 8:30 PM at Queens Boro Hall (click here for info).

** Swingtime Big Band in Woodhaven – The Swingtime Big Band sound is coming to Woodhaven in a show presented by St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy. The show will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 3 PM at Msgr. Mulz Hall,all proceeds go to benefit the school. Click here for more info.

** Woodhaven History Study Group – The 3rd meeting of the Woodhaven Study Group will be on Wednesday, December 10th at the Avenue Diner, starting at 7 PM. Last meeting we heard some very interesting reports from our researchers – and we also discussed the discovery of a long-forgotten piece of Woodhaven’s history (details coming soon). Our group is researching 1912, 1916, 1921, 1924, 1930, 1935, 1937, 1941, and 1961. Even if you do not want to research, just want to hear about what we find, you are more than welcome to attend.

** Cleanup of Woodhaven’s Historic Cemetery – The next cleanup of the Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th at 9 AM. Click here for a story about November’s cleanup. This event is educational and fun for residents of all ages – volunteers are welcome and very much needed. If you have never visited this historic colonial era cemetery, come to 96th Street and 86th Avenue on 12/13 and be a part of history!

** Historical Society Christmas Party – Everyone is invited to a Christmas party hosted by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society on Wednesday, December 18th at 1 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue & Woodhaven Boulevard). There will be food and music – and we’re having a Kris Kringle – if you want to participate, bring a small gift, costing no more than $10.

** News & Announcements:

** Thank You for the Toys – At our WRBA Town Hall, residents donated toys to be carried over to Bayside in the annual East Coast Car Association’s Classic Car Toy Run. WRBA President Martin Colberg and Vice-President Giedra Kregzdys represented Woodhaven and your donations were greatly appreciated. Click here for beautiful pics and video of the trip to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, Queens.

** Food Donations - Also, many thanks to all who donated canned food for homeless veterans. We know it was short notice, but the residents came through, donating enough food to fill a car. Congratulations to CM Eric Ulrich for spearheading this drive, read more about the entire collection drive here.

** Avenue Diner Specials - WRBA’s 2014 Business of the Year writes to let us know that they will be open for Thanksgiving and have a number of tasty specials on the menu – click here to see what’s cooking!

** Assemblyman Miller Releases Newsletter – Mike Miller’s new newsletter is out with updates on what he’s been up to – click here to read it.

** K9 Korral Canine Costume Contest – Be prepared for an overdose of cuteness with these pictures and video of the Canine Costume Contest in Forest Park. The WRBA’s Janet Forte and Ed Wendell joined Neir’s Tavern’s Loy Gordon as judges – but there were so many cute pups it was hard to made a decision!

** Woodhaven’s School Sisters in the News – The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center was recently featured on the news - click here to see it.

** Snow Plans – From Mike Miller: “As winter approaches I wanted to share the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) Borough-Based Snow Plans, which are posted to DSNY’s website every year. The Snow Plans detail DSNY’s preparedness and response for possible snow events in the coming 2014-2015 winter season. I hope this help and don’t hesitate to call my office with any questions! Thank you!”

** Collapsed Building Update – Click here for an update on the collapsed building. It is reported that the repairs are nearing completion.

** Heat or Hot Water Issues - If you, or anyone you know, does not have enough heat or hot water this winter, it can be reported here. If the person making the report does not have a computer, they can call 311.

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a ‘snow alert’ for Wednesday, November 26, starting at 7 a.m.

A snow alert indicates the possibility of a snow event. In preparation for a snow event, DSNY personnel begin initial equipment readiness, including loading its salt spreaders, attaching plows when necessary, preparing tire chains and notifying supplementary personnel as needed. DSNY is coordinating with the Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. All relevant city agencies have been notified of the snow alert. DSNY will continue to monitor forecasts and will provide updates as the snow event approaches.

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website atwww.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for the Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can sign up for receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and emergencies.

To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit www.nyc.gov or follow @ NotifyNYC on Twitter.

The holiday season will kick off on the weekend of Friday December 5th and Saturday December 6th with the annual tree lighting / Santa parade down Jamaica Avenue in 2 traditional events sponsored by the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation / Woodhaven Business Improvement District. .

The tree lighting ceremony starts on Friday, December 5th at 6:30 PM.

The parade is the next day and here’s the best part – YOU are invited to march in the parade! Bring your kids, march down Jamaica Avenue and show your Santa spirit! Are you a dog owner? The K9 Korral is marching, bring your pup and walk down Jamaica Avenue. No kids, no pets? March with us! Or with your group. Just come out and march!

The marchers will start assembling around 11 AM at 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue — the GWDC and WBID will hand out Santa hats for the kids – and the parade will kick off at 12 Noon and go down Jamaica Avenue to Dexter Court and Franklin K. Lane where pizza will be served.

Want to Watch the Parade??The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will be holding their annual Parade Watching Party at their office at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue. Residents will gather as a group and cheer on the marchers – if they like, they can join the parade at that point.

To review – the Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 5th at 6:30 PM at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue.

As for the parade there are 2 options — join us at 11 AM at 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue to march in the parade — or join us at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue to watch the parade.

QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz will host a workshop for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as well as for parents interested in becoming more involved in their schools.

“Without a doubt, the stronger the PTA, the stronger the school,” Queens Borough President Katz said. “As a mom of two young boys, I can attest firsthand to the impact that parental involvement has on our education system. Queens parents are some of the most active, vocal and effective in the city, and the difference is clear. The nexus of collaboration between families, educators and surrounding community is the key to the success of our schools. I urge Queens parents – if you’re able – to be engaged.”

WHO: Parents, including current and former PTA members and officers and District Family Advocates.

The workshop is free and open to the public. It will feature presentations from former PTA officers and District Family Advocates on how to improve outreach and engage more school parents, run more efficient meetings, governance tips about bylaws and officers, and raising money for schools. Borough President Katz will also deliver welcoming remarks.

As space may be limited, participants are asked to RSVP in advance by calling 718.286.3000.

If you want to help homeless veterans, you can stop by one of our local supermarkets, pick up a few extra canned goods or nonperishable food items, and drop them off at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (84-20 Jamaica Avenue) from 3 PM to 9 PM on Wednesday, November 19th.

Councilman Eric Ulrich – the chairman of the New York City Council’s Veterans Committee – is spearheading a city-wide effort to collect canned food items for homeless veterans.

“It’s a heartbreaking reality that veterans around the city struggle each day to get a hot meal,” Ulrich said at a press conference.

“Veterans’ homelessness and hunger are two serious issues in our city. Our veterans deserve better and this drive will help ensure that local food pantries and soup kitchens are equipped to assist those less fortunate with hot meals during the holiday season.”

You can donate canned food and other non-perishable food items at either his office (93-06 101st Avenue) or at the office of Elizabeth Crowley (71-19 80th Street, Suite 8-30, Atlas Park Mall) up until Thursday, November 20th.

Or – if it’s easier – you can donate on Wednesday, November 19th from 3 PM to 9 PM at the office of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (84-20 Jamaica Avenue). So, if you want to help the homeless vets, you can stop by one of our local supermarkets, pick up a few extra canned goods or nonperishable food items, and drop them off right there on Jamaica Avenue. It’s as easy as that!

For more information, email the WRBA at info@woodhaven-nyc.org or call 718-296-3735.